And they said they were now taking applications for federal judgeships, despite the fact that Democrats had released their recommendations.

Cornyn told Texas reporters the senators were not bound to the judicial selections proposed by the Democrats. That would include Torres-Stahl.

"The process is just now opening," Cornyn said.

He said those interested should submit an application to a bipartisan committee established by the senators to review potential candidates for appointment.

And the White House is not bound to nominate those recommended by the senators.

Obama administration officials said earlier this year that they would rely on help from congressional Democrats in those decisions.

"I think the two senators will be entitled to interview anyone the White House sends over for consideration," said Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio.

Whether the White House takes the recommendation by the senators for a nominee is "a totally different question," Gonzalez said.

Home state senators have the power to block nominees through a process known as the "blue slip."

And Cornyn has said he would stop a nominee from going forward in the Senate confirmation process if he feels a candidate is not the most qualified.

A battle over potential nominees is already heating up in North Texas, where Democrats and Republicans have offered alternative candidates for U.S. attorney.

In South Texas, Democrats offered up San Antonio lawyer Michael McCrum as a candidate for the U.S. attorney in the Western District - but senators recommended U.S. Magistrate Robert Pitman of Austin for the post.

Although the senators say their system is designed to select the most qualified, Democrats dismiss their efforts as partisan attempts to thwart the process.

The Democrats also note that senators gave applicants for judgeships a deadline last year, before the November election that saw Obama win the White House.

"It's their second deadline," Gonzalez noted with a hint of irony that suggests the senators are changing their own rules as they go along to block Democrat nominees.